Onychoschizia (Nail Splitting)

Onychoschizia (Nail Splitting)

Hairdressers, nurses, custodians and others who often are exposed to chemicals can experience onychoschizia, or horizontal splits in their nails. People who frequently use nail polish, nail hardeners and polish removers also are at risk. To protect your nails, keep them trimmed short and wear gloves while doing housework to reduce how often your nails become wet and dry. Apply petroleum jelly or another emollient moisturizer to the nails. Use nail hardeners containing formaldehyde with caution, as they can cause other problems like brittle nails.

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Usually, onychoschizia can be treated simply through better nail care. This includes keeping a healthy moisture level for your nails, protecting your nails from chemicals, using nail-strengthening polishes and products, and being gentler with your nails while filing or buffing. Additionally, if your onychoschizia is being caused by an underlying condition, be sure to treat the condition as indicated by your doctor.

In rare cases, fingernails that split frequently may signal a vitamin deficiency. More commonly, fingernails can split even if they are healthy. Cold weather can make fingernails dry and brittle and prone to splitting. If your hands are frequently wet or exposed to detergents or some chemicals, the nails can become too soft and vulnerable to splitting.

In rare cases, onychoschizia is actually caused by malnutrition. Mostly, the main cause is a deficiency of iron or anemia. But, onychoschizia can also be caused by a wide variety of vitamin deficiencies. This is why you should talk to your doctor about underlying conditions if you have onychoschizia.

Frequent wetting and drying of the fingernails can lead to onychoschizia. Too much water can cause the nails to become soft and fragile, while too little moisture can cause the nails to become dry and breakable. If you have to wash your hands often, make sure to use lotion on your fingernails as you would on your skin to ensure moisture.

The best kinds of nail products for those who suffer from onychoschizia are nail-strengthening solutions and polishes. You may also want to use lotion on your nails, since your nails need just as much moisture as your skin. Try not to use harsh chemical treatments like acetone. And if you use nail polish, make sure not to leave it on for more than a week since it can draw the moisture from your fingernails if left on too long. Other researchers recommend taking a Biotin supplement to strengthen your nails.

Onychoschizia can become worse in the winter because this is usually when the weather is driest. In dry heat, your nails can become dehydrated and frail. You should take extra care during the winter by soaking your hands in warm water and then applying lotion to your fingernails.

Since onychoschizia is often found in conditions that are linked to the X chromosome, onychoschizia is more common in women. Another reason, onychoschizia could be more common in women is because women tend to use harsher treatments on their fingernails. Thus, you should try to use removers and products free of acetone and harsh chemicals.

There are several nail-strengthening products on the market today that you can use to strengthen your nails and prevent onychoschizia. However, you can also strengthen your nails by practicing better all around nail care. This includes keeping a healthy moisture level for your nails, protecting your nails from chemicals, and being gentler with your nails while filing or buffing. Additionally, some researchers also recommend the vitamin biotin, or B7, to increase your nail strength.

Certain skin diseases like lichen planus and psoriasis can have a negative effect on onychoschizia. This is because they often result in inflammation and infection which can irritate or cause onychoschizia. Additionally, individuals taking vitamin A for their skin will likely make their onychoschizia worse.

Nail cosmetics can have both a negative and positive effect on onychoschizia. Products with harsh chemicals can cause your nail to become dry and break. Products with acetone tend to be harsher than those without. Nail-strengthening polish and products, on the other hand, can help to improve your nails and limit your chance of developing onychoschizia.